The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-03-10

lam fully pursuaded that there is one man
who. if he were living to-day, would never
rest Il tt1 such provision was made, ana 1
know that YOU will agree with me when
mention the name of Abraham Lincoln.
congratulate You, that having laid ASIDE
your arms, you decided to make your home
in the best state in the union, and in the
best part Of the world Kansas Is to-day,
not Geographically, but in many other re-
sDects, the great center around which all the
galaxies of sister states must forever revolye
With a soil that makes us the Egyytian gran
airy OF the nation; with climate That produ-
ces the most enterprtsing men and the most
beautiful women on the earth; with church
and q school house on every hill indicating
the highest moral and literary culture on the
globe. We will soon see this brilliant which
you Flucked out OF treason's grasp, SHINING
with tTanscendent beauty, the brightest jew
ell in the crown of glory that covers the ma
tons brow.
First in prohibition. first in woman's suf-
frage, first to day in thu senate of the nation,
we now aspire to the dignity of furnishing
the next president of these United States.
: And now it is my great pleasure In behalf
of the mayor, and the citizens OF this place,
to bid you welcome; to say to you that the
latch-string is out at every house, and that
every heart is open to receive you. 1t is an
old saying that friends are like fiddle-strings
and must not be screwed up too tight unless
they snap, but our motto is that straining
the strings increases the melody, so we want
YOU to put on the screws and keep US up at
concert pitch. In coming here year ago
found my heart beating more rapidly than at
Kansas CITY, and soon ascertained the cause
to be the difference in the altitude.
You know it is physiological fact that the
greater the elevation, the more rapid the
circulation of the blood, and to-day each
quicKened pulsation of our hearts bids you
hearty welcome. Your presence here nils US
with grateful joy, and every service we can
render you will be lasting honor to our
selves.
wish also to thank our honored towns
man, Commander McDivitt, tor the conf
dence he had in this "beautiful city of the
plains" TO believe that the heart of this peo-
pie was large enough to provide hospital
ity for you, and the thousands who wish to
honor you with their presence at this an
nual reunion. Abilene is like the union sol
der on the battlefield. At any other time
he weighed about one hundred and sixty
pounds avoirdupois but on the day of battle
he al Ways weighed a ton. And just as you
knew nothing about retreat until you reach
ed AppoInattox, so the citizens of this place
have moved forward with one mind and one
heart and are to-day prepared with enter
tainment for all who come.
And now, once more, to you members of
the Grand Army OF the Republic of the great
state of Kansas, who bore the flag of your
country from Gettysburg on the north, to
the far off Rio GTande on the SOUTH, say a
thousand welcomes. 81 once saw Washing
ton" said Chateaubriand. "but that once was
enough"
''The sight inspired me for life" and so the
sight of you, heroes of many battle field,
viii prove an inspiration to our hearts until
greatly hOnOred IN the future, but your
pr sence here to-day is the brightest diadem
that Will ever flash upon her queenly brow.
Were we able. we would put golden chain
about your neck, and a garland OF unfading
iaUrels upon your head, but we give You
what is better still, the everlasting gratitude
of q grateful and loving people.
II was the boast of the ancient painter,
ZeuNis, that he painted for eternity, but you
soldiers, through your devotion to your
country, have made yourselves immortal,
on ,1-ba holl box foH cd
the marble and granite monuments of earth,
your deeds of valor and heroism will live on,
growing brighter and brighter to the end of
time. And when at last the Great Captain
ground" may death come to you, not as Il
skeleton with a scythe, but as an angel with
a golden key.
The Sons of Veterans held their en-
at four o'clock, Col. L. J.
Webb in command. 4 committee on
was appointed. This,
Wednesday the election of officers will
be held.
The WOmen's Relief Corps conven-
ton was also in session Tuesday even
ing, Mrs. Margaret r. Wickens presid-
ing. The convention is being continued
this Wednesday.
At department headquarters Gen.
McDivitt and his adjutant general,
Tom Davidson, have their hands full,
but manage to welcome everybody.
Abilene Post, No. IS, G.. 4. r., has
IS headquarters at the court house.
The members are doing all in their
power to make it pleasant for all their |
visitors,